Highland Associates provided full Architectural and Engineering services for the renovation of a 9,000 square foot
historical building at Wilkes University. The building was erected in 1873-1874 as a residence and was obtained by
the University in 1941.
"Kirby Hall" now houses classrooms and faculty office space for the English department. The project included
extensive interior renovations as well as upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems. The challenge was to
integrate modern system requirements into this historical building. This was accomplished with the selective
construction of chases and soffits. Electrically, all wire mold was erased from view. Period style lighting was
carefully selected and placed within all prominent areas to insure maximum impact could be achieved within budget.
The bones of this Victorian structure were regal, but it suffered from many decades of modern upgrades most occurring
in the early 1970's. Wall to wall carpeting was removed, and wherever possible, the newly exposed original parquet
floors were refinished.
Original plaster trims, moldings, medallions and coffered ceilings were painted in a 3 to 4 color scheme highlighted
with gold leaf. The woodwork was cleaned, polished, resealed and repaired. Richly detailed carpeting and wall coverings
were carefully selected. Through the use of "period sensitive" interior finishes, the grandeur of the building
was enhanced and the historical character of the building was preserved without sacrificing the durability and safety
requirements required by its current use.
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